Meaning & Origins

Anglicized form of Gaelic Domhnall. The final -d of the Anglicized form derives partly from misinterpretation by English speakers of the Gaelic pronunciation, and partly from association with Germanic-origin names such as Ronald. This name is strongly associated with clan Macdonald, the clan of the medieval Lords of the Isles, but is now also widely used by families with no Scottish connections.

English (Gloucestershire and South Wales): 1. most probably from the Norman personal name Luce (a vernacular form of Latin Lucia or Lucius). This is generally a female name, although male bearers are found in France. It was borne by a young Sicilian maiden and an aged Roman widow, both of whom were martyred under Diocletian and are venerated as saints. 2. Alternatively, the surname may be a variant of Lewis.